There are plenty of multiplayer games on PS4 that have one fun idea, but many of them grow old fairly quickly. Not so with TowerFall Ascension. It's a simple game about flinging arrows at each other in tricky arenas, but it's a constant delight. Shifting level layouts and different arrow types change things up, while the platforming controls make it instantly playable. The result is a fiercely competitive and relentlessly fast paced multiplayer title that will keep you and your mates glued to the telly.

This retro-flavoured action game was inspired by Ninja Gaiden, but it throws in a multitude of fresh ideas that give it a unique identity. The Messenger is an expertly crafted side-scrolling adventure about a young ninja tasked with saving humanity from a demon takeover. It mixes 8 and 16-bit art styles to great effect, gameplay is tight as a drum, and it has a lot of personality. This is one 2D pixel art platformer that's absolutely worth your time.

This action game from FuturLab is a relentlessly pure gameplay experience. Velocity 2X is a mix of platformer and shooter, deftly weaving the two genres together into a highly compelling whole. Playing as space ace Kai Tana, this is a frenetic action title that rewards skilled play, keeping you coming back for more.

A retro style platformer, Shovel Knight exceeds the genre's usual expectations with its imaginative characters and cool story moments. It's a colourful and rock solid adventure, and developer Yacht Club Games just keeps adding to it. Free updates have brought co-op play, new playable heroes, and more, making Shovel Knight an easy recommendation if you're looking for an old school adventure with modern sensibilities.

From the makers of TowerFall Ascension, Celeste is a pure platformer that provides a stern challenge. Using a straightforward set of moves, it does a lot with very little, but it's not just gameplay where it impresses. Madeline's climb up Celeste Mountain is both literal and metaphorical as she struggles to overcome her inner demons. Wonderfully pairing a touching story with rock solid platforming, this is one indie adventure that'll stay with you.

Having grown up alongside PlayStation, Stephen has developed a wide knowledge of video games, from AAA blockbusters to the smallest indie gems. He also has the Platinum for The Witness, so there’s that.

A couple of these are in my backlog (Dead Cells, The Witness) and a couple more have caught my eye after reading this article (Hyper Light Drifter, Everything)
Resogun, Inside, What Remains of EF, and Journey are fabulous. Rocket League I find quite over-rated though. To each their own.

Inside was one of the best experiences I've had on PS4, I will soon be into my second playthrough to wrap up all the trophies. I've also recently started on What Remains of Edith Finch, thanks to PS Plus.

Hollow Knight is one of my favourite games of this generation though. Such a wonderful game and has some brutally challenging combat and platforming sections for those who want to face them. The pantheons were a step too far for me..

Good list! Pyre is a great game-it is a story/character driven game melded with a fantasy sports sim. Very fun. But one thing not mentioned in the write up is the amazing sound track for that game. Like all Supergiant offerings (and Bastion and Transistor should probably be on this list too!), the music is fantastic. Maybe my favorite in all of gaming. It is worth picking up the soundtrack even if you don’t play the game! (although you should also do yourself a favor and play the game).

I really need to play Everything and Wargroove. Cant really call RL an Indie imo anymore. Being owned by Epic and all. Journey is still one of the most profound gaming experiences Ive ever had. Truly disappointing he went mobile for his last game

Ah, there's always time to disagree with lists I suppose. My three favourites would be The Banner Saga, Hollow Knight and Hotline Miami from the top of my head. Never understood why that snoozefest Journey always gets so much praise though.

@Rudy_Manchego The dash made me wanna pull my hair out, but it was worth it so I could use the stamina upgrade equipment for the entire game. The third time I did it, I did it as soon as I was able to in the play through, and then I cloud saved that save file so in future play throughs I wouldn't have to do it again. As a side effect, I'm now really, really good at dashing. 😂

@Rudy_Manchego@Giygas_95 I have managed it in 6-7 deaths, it’s really not a long game so once you get it down it’s not a big effort, but really I think you need to do NG+ then using all your skills go back to normal for your no death run. I waited too long and lost my edge. But I do remember I absolutely had it down on NG+, most bosses one shot you and they are more aggressive and have a lot more health. As per normal mode it was the north boss who gave the most grief, and the final boss.

@kyleforrester87@Giygas_95 I will defo give NG+ a try at some point. I can't remember which boss gave me the most trouble other than the final boss. That one was a LOT of retries to get the timings exact. Why I like this game over most 'difficult' games is that the difficulty is truly baked into the levels and gameplay rather than being an artifical gate or needing grinding to get past.